Entertainment system including a vehicle with a simulation mode

ABSTRACT

The entertainment system of the preferred embodiment comprises a first vehicle including a user interface adapted to accept a vehicle input from a first user. The first vehicle further includes an event sensor adapted to sense a first trigger event, and a processor connected to the user interface and to the event sensor and adapted to operate in the following modes: normal mode and simulation mode. In the normal mode, the processor controls the first vehicle based substantially on the vehicle input from the first user. In the simulation mode, the processor controls the first vehicle based on a modification of the vehicle input from the first user according to a first rule, which simulates a first physical event.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.11/156,218, filed 17 Jun. 2005, which is incorporated in its entirety bythis reference. This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/585,539, filed 2 Jul. 2004, which isincorporated in its entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the entertainment field, and morespecifically to an entertainment system including a vehicle that, uponsensing a trigger event, simulates a physical event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 are representations of the first variation of the first vehicleincluding a user interface, a first user, an event sensor, a processor,a steering subsystem, a propulsion subsystem, an activation device, amemory device, and a simulated weapon.

FIG. 2 is a first variation of the entertainment system configured as asimple land course.

FIG. 3 is a second variation of the entertainment system configured asan advanced land course.

FIG. 4 is a third variation of the entertainment system configured as awater course.

FIG. 5 is a fourth variation of the entertainment system configured as a“closed circuit” land course.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionis not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments,but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use thisinvention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the entertainment system 10 of the preferredembodiments includes a first vehicle 12 including a user interface 14adapted to accept a vehicle input from a first user 16. The firstvehicle 12 further includes an event sensor 18 adapted to sense a firsttrigger event, and a processor 22 adapted to operate in the followingmodes: normal mode and simulation mode. In the normal mode, theprocessor 22 controls the first vehicle 12 based substantially on thevehicle input from the first user 16. In the simulation mode, theprocessor 22 controls the first vehicle 12 based on a modification ofthe vehicle input from the first user 16 according to a first rule,which simulates a first physical event.

The first vehicle 12 of the preferred embodiments functions to transportthe first user 16. Preferably, the first vehicle 12 is a four-wheelcart. Alternatively, the first vehicle 12 may be another wheeled vehicle(such as a motorcycle or a bicycle), a watercraft (such as a bumperboat, a jet ski, or a motorboat), an aircraft (such as a small plane ora hovercraft), a tracked vehicle (such as a snowmobile or a tank), or arailed vehicle (such as a train), or a wind, gravity, or human-poweredvehicle (such as a kiteboard, a snowboard, or a skateboard). The firstvehicle 12 may, however, be any suitable vehicle that transports thefirst user 16.

In the preferred embodiments, the first vehicle 12 further includes asteering subsystem 26. The steering subsystem 26 functions to allowsteering of the first vehicle 12. Preferably, the steering subsystem 26includes mechanisms to turn the wheels of a wheeled vehicle or to turnthe impeller of a water vehicle, but the steering subsystem 26 mayinclude any suitable device or system to steer the first vehicle 12. Thesteering subsystem 26 also preferably includes a disabled mode thatreduces or completely eliminates the control of the first user over thesteering of the first vehicle 12. In a first variation, the disable modeis accomplished through the deactivation of a “drive-by-wire” steeringdevice. In a second variation, the disabled mode is accomplished throughthe lowering of a caster (or other suitable device) that prevents thewheels or impeller from effectively turning the first vehicle 12. Thesteering subsystem 26 may include any suitable device that reduces orcompletely eliminates the control of the first user over the steering ofthe first vehicle 12.

In the preferred embodiments, the first vehicle 12 further includes apropulsion subsystem 28. The propulsion subsystem 28 functions to propelthe first vehicle 12. Preferably, the propulsion subsystem 28 includesan electrical battery and an electric motor that is connected to thewheels or impeller of the first vehicle 12. Alternatively, thepropulsion system 28 may include an internal combustion engine connectedto the wheels or impeller of the first vehicle 12, or may include adevice or system to harness wind, gravity, or human power (such as asail, low-resistance wheels, or pedals). Further, the propulsion systemmay include any suitable device or system to steer the first vehicle 12.Like the steering subsystem 26, the propulsion subsystem 28 preferablyincludes a disabled mode that reduces or completely eliminates thecontrol of the first user over the propulsion of the first vehicle 12.In a first variation, the disable mode is accomplished through thedeactivation of a “drive-by-wire” throttle device. In a secondvariation, the disabled mode is accomplished through the lowering of acaster (or other suitable device) that prevents the wheels or impellerfrom effectively propelling the first vehicle 12. The propulsionsubsystem 28 may include any suitable device that reduces or completelyeliminates the control of the first user over the propulsion of thefirst vehicle 12.

In the preferred embodiments, the entertainment system 10 furtherincludes multiple vehicles, including a second vehicle 36. Like thefirst vehicle 12, the second vehicle 36 preferably includes a userinterface adapted to accept a vehicle input from a second user, an eventsensor adapted to sense a first trigger event, and a processor connectedto the user interface and the event sensor and adapted to operate in thefollowing modes: normal mode and simulation mode. In normal mode, theprocessor controls the second vehicle 36 based substantially on thevehicle input from the second user. In simulation mode, the processorcontrols the second vehicle 36 based on a modification of the vehicleinput from the second user according to a first rule, which simulates afirst physical event. The second vehicle 36 further preferably includesa steering subsystem and a propulsion subsystem. The second vehicle 36is preferably one of the several variations of the first vehicle 12, butmay alternatively be any suitable vehicle. Further, although the secondvehicle 36 is preferably driven by a human, the second vehicle may becontrolled from a distance by another human or by a machine. Furtherstill, although the second vehicle 36 is preferably tangible, the secondvehicle 36 may be virtually displayed to the first user 16.

The user interface 14 of the preferred embodiments functions to acceptthe vehicle input from the first user 16 and communicate with theprocessor 22. The user interface 14 preferably includes one or more ofthe following subsystems: a steering device to accept steering input(such as a steering wheel, handlebars, a rudder, or any other suitablesteering devices), acceleration and deceleration devices to acceptacceleration and/or velocity input and deceleration input (such asthrottles or brakes adapted for hand or foot activation, or any othersuitable acceleration and deceleration devices), and an activationdevice 38 to accept other inputs (such as a touch screen, voicerecognition, or any other suitable means of accepting input from thefirst user 16). The user interface 14 may also further include feedbackdevices to communicate information from the first vehicle 12 to thefirst user 16 (such as LCD screens that indicate items collected or fuellevel, or any other suitable communication device), and/or tactiledevices to provide other feedback to the first user 16 (such as a rumbleseat, a vibrating steering device, or any other suitable means ofproviding tactile feedback). The user interface 14 may include anysuitable combination and permutation of these various devices.

The event sensor 18 of the preferred embodiment functions to sense afirst trigger event. In a first variation, the event sensor 18 is acontact switch that senses physical contact between the first vehicle 12and another object (such as a physical barrier or a second vehicle). Ina second variation, the event sensor 18 is a receiver that receiveswireless signals (such as IR signals, RF signals, or other suitablewireless signals). The event sensor 18 of the second variation may befurther adapted to transmit an acknowledgement signal upon successfulreceipt of a wireless signal. In a third variation, the event sensor 18is a magnetic sensor that senses a change in the magnetic field. Whilethe event sensor 18 is preferably one of these variations, the eventsensor 18 may alternatively be any other suitable sensor to sense afirst trigger event. The first vehicle 12 preferably includes either asingle event sensor 18 that is adapted to sense multiple trigger events,or multiple event sensors 18 each adapted to sense one or more triggerevents.

The processor 22 is connected to the user interface 14 and to the eventsensor 18. The processor 22 is preferably a digital controller, but mayalternatively be an analog controller, a mechanical controller, or anyother suitable controller. The processor 22 is preferably located in thefirst vehicle 12, but may alternatively be located in a remote area.Further, if located in a remote area, the processor 22 may be a centralprocessor 46, separate from the first vehicle 12 and the second vehicle36, and adapted to function as the processor 22 for both the firstvehicle 12 and second vehicle 36 (as shown in FIG. 3). The processor 22is adapted to operate the vehicle in normal mode wherein the processor22 controls the first vehicle 12 based substantially on the vehicleinput from the first user 16. The processor 22 is also adapted tooperate the vehicle in simulation mode wherein the processor 22 controlsthe first vehicle 12 based on a modification of the vehicle input fromthe first user 16 according to a first rule. The processor 22 in thesimulation mode preferably controls the steering subsystem 26 and/or thepropulsion subsystem 28. In a first variation, the processor 22transitions from normal mode to simulation mode upon the sensing by theevent sensor 18 of the first trigger event. In a second variation, theprocessor 22 transitions from normal mode to simulation mode upon thesensing by the event sensor 18 of the first trigger event and theactivation by the user of the activation device 38. In a thirdvariation, the processor 22 transitions from normal mode to simulationmode upon the sensing by the event sensor 18 of a first trigger event,and the processor 22 transitions from simulation mode to normal modeupon the sensing by the event sensor 18 of a second trigger event. In afourth variation, the processor 22 does not transition from a normalmode to a simulation mode upon the sensing by the event sensor 18 of afirst trigger event if the sensing by the event sensor 18 of a secondtrigger event has occurred first. While the processor 22 is preferablyincludes one or more of these variations, the processor 22 mayalternatively be any other suitable connection between the userinterface 14 and the event sensor 18.

In the preferred embodiments, the first vehicle 12 further includes amemory device 30 adapted to store the trigger events. The memory device30 functions to store the trigger events and other suitable events (suchas placement or rank) experienced by the first user 16 during aparticular round. With this feature, the first user 16 may retrieve thestored events thereby affecting the normal mode of the processor 22 forthe first vehicle in subsequent rounds. In the first variation, thememory device 30 is included in the first vehicle. In a secondvariation, the memory device 30 is separate from the first vehicle 18and the second vehicle 36 (as shown in FIG. 3). The memory device 30 ofthese variations is preferably a conventional memory chip, such as RAM,but may alternatively be any suitable device able to store information.

In the preferred embodiments, the first vehicle 12 further includes asimulated weapon 32 adapted to be controlled by the first user 16 andadapted to transmit one or more weapon signals 34. The simulated weapon32 functions to allow the first user 16 (or another passenger in thefirst vehicle 12) to affect the vehicles of the other users in theentertainment system 10 and/or the environment itself. The simulatedweapon 32 is adapted to transmit a weapon signal 34. The weapon signal34 simulates the ammunition from the simulated weapon 32. Preferably,the weapon signal 34 is a wireless signal. Alternatively, the weaponsignal 34 may be an analog signal transmission (where the weapon signal34 closes a circuit or switch, or interrupts a light beam or laser), aphysical element (such as air, water, or any other suitable medium), ora combination of a wireless signal and a physical element. The weaponsignal 34 is preferably one of these variations, but alternatively maybe any other suitable signal.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the entertainment system 10 of the preferredembodiment also includes an event element 42, which functions toinitiate a trigger event. The event element 42 is preferably separatefrom the first vehicle 12 and is preferably located on an area of thetrack. The event element may be continuous (such as the physical barrierthat surrounds the track), may be an extended zone (such as a zonewithin the track), or may be a particular point. The event element 42may be stationary or movable.

The event element 42 of the preferred embodiment is preferably adaptedto be controlled either by a central processor or by an internalprocessor. The event element 42, however, is also preferably adapted tobe modified by a moderator 48, a spectator 50, the first user 16, and/ora second user. The moderator 48 preferably moderates the use of theentertainment system to. The moderator 48 may be provided with a commandcenter or handheld device that is wirelessly connected or wired to theentertainment system to and includes buttons, voice recognition andactivation, a touch screen, or any other suitable means to provide inputto the entertainment system to. The spectator 50 is preferably a visitorto the entertainment system to. The spectator 50 may be provided with atabletop or handheld device that is wirelessly connected or wired to theentertainment system to and that includes control buttons, votingbuttons, voice recognition and activation, a touch screen or any othersuitable means to provide input to the entertainment system to.

The event element 42 of the preferred embodiment is one of severalvariations. In a first variation, the event element 42 is a physicalbarrier. In a second variation, the event element 42 is a transmitterthat transmits a wireless signal 44 (such as an IR signal, an RF signal,an ultrasonic or acoustic signal, or a GPS or satellite signal). In athird variation, the event element 42 is a transmitter that transmits aphysical element (such as water, air, or any other suitable physicalelement). The wireless signal 44 of the second variation and thephysical element of the second variation are both intended to bereceived by the event sensor 18 of the first vehicle 12. The eventelement 42 of the second and third variation may be further adapted toreceive an acknowledgement signal from an event sensor 18. The eventelement 42 of the second and third variations may be further adapted totemporarily cease transmission of the wireless signal 44 and thephysical element upon the successful receipt of the acknowledgementsignal from the event sensor 18. The event element 42 of the second andthird variation may be further adapted to transmit both a wirelesssignal and a physical element. In a fourth variation, the event element42 is a magnetic device that induces a change in the magnetic field. Theevent element 42 and the signal 44 are both preferably one of thevariations described but may be any suitable element and signal.

The first trigger event of the preferred embodiment functions toinitiate the modification of the vehicle inputs, which simulates aphysical event (either a “positive” event or a “negative” as viewed bythe first user). The first trigger event is preferably a communicationbetween the event element 18 and the event sensor (such as a physicalconnection or a wireless communication).

The first physical event of the preferred embodiment functions tosimulate an event in the “real world.” A first physical event occurswhen the processor 22 operates in the simulation mode. In the simulationmode, the processor 22 controls the steering subsystem 26 and/or thepropulsion subsystem 28 based on a modification of the vehicle inputfrom the first user 16 according to a first rule. In a first variation,the first rule is a reduction of the vehicle input to the steeringsubsystem 26, which results in a first physical event distinguished byreduced control of the first vehicle 12 by the first user 16 and whichsimulates driving through an area with reduced traction (such as ice oroil). In a second variation, the first rule is a reduction of thevehicle input to the propulsion subsystem 28, which results in a firstphysical event distinguished by reduced acceleration (or top velocity)of the first vehicle 12 and which simulates driving into a head wind orthrough difficult terrain (such as mud or sand). In a third variation,the first rule is a complete reduction of the vehicle input, whichresults in a first physical event distinguished by complete lack ofcontrol of the first vehicle 12 by the first user 16 and which simulatesa crashed, disabled, or low-energy (or low-power) vehicle. In a fourthvariation, the first rule is an increase in the vehicle input to thepropulsion subsystem 28, which results in a first physical eventdistinguished by increased acceleration (or top velocity) of the firstvehicle 12 and which simulates driving with a tail wind or through easyterrain (such as smooth concrete). With any of these variation 2, thefirst rule may be applied for a given time period, until a secondtrigger event occurs, or based on any other suitable parameter. In othervariations, the first rule may include any suitable modification of thevehicle input to simulate an event in the “real world.”

As shown in FIG. 2, the entertainment system 10 may be configured as aland course with interactive (or “combative”) racing. The entertainmentsystem 10 preferably includes multiple versions of vehicles, eventelements, signals, event sensors, trigger events, rules, and physicalevents as described below. The entertainment system 10 may, however,include other suitable combinations of event elements, signals, eventsensors, trigger events, rules, and physical events.

On the “A section” of the course, the trigger event is the transmissionof a wireless signal 44 from the event element 42 to the event sensor inthe first vehicle 12. The rule applied by the processor is an increasein the top velocity of the first vehicle 12, which simulates a turboboost. On the “B section” of the course, the trigger event is atransmission of a wireless signal 44 from the event element 42 to theevent sensor in the first vehicle 12. The rule applied by the processoris a decrease in the stability of the steering subsystem, whichsimulates an oil slick or ice patch. On the “C section” of the course,the trigger event is a transmission of a weapon signal 34 from thesimulated weapon 32 on the first vehicle 12 to the event sensor on thesecond vehicle 36. The rule applied by the processor of the secondvehicle 36 is a complete reduction of the vehicle input, which simulatesa disabled or damaged vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 3, the entertainment system 10 may be configured as anadvanced land course. The entertainment system 10 preferably includesmultiple versions of vehicles, event elements, signals, event sensors,trigger events, rules, and physical events as described below. Theentertainment system 10 also preferably includes controls for amoderator 48 and/or a spectator 50, a variation of the memory device 30,and the central processor 46. The entertainment system 10 may, however,include other suitable combinations of event elements, signals, eventsensors, trigger events, rules, and physical events.

On the “A section” of the course, the trigger event is the transmissionof a wireless signal 44 from the event element 42 (controlled by themoderator 48) to the event sensor of the first vehicle 12. The ruleapplied by the processor of the first vehicle 12 is a complete reductionof the vehicle input, which simulates a disabled or damaged vehicle. Onthe “B Section” of the course, the trigger event is the transmission ofa wireless signal 44 from the event element 42 (controlled by thespectator 50) to the event sensor of the first vehicle 12. The ruleapplied by the processor is a decrease in the stability of the steeringsubsystem, which simulates an oil slick. On the “C Section” of thecourse, the trigger event is the creation of a magnetic field by theevent element and the sensing of the magnetic field by the event sensorof the first vehicle 12 (at point 20). The rule applied by the processoris an increase in the top velocity of the first vehicle 12, whichsimulates a tail wind. Preferably, the rule is no longer applied whenthe event sensor no longer senses the magnetic field (at point 40). Onthe “D Section” of the course, the trigger event is the creation of amagnetic field by the event element and the sensing of the magneticfield by the event sensor of the first vehicle 12. The rule applied bythe processor is a decrease in the top velocity of the first vehicle 12,which simulates a difficult terrain. Preferably, the rule is no longerapplied when the event sensor no longer senses the magnetic field. Onthe “E Section” of the course, the event trigger is a transmission fromthe event element 42 to the event sensor of the first vehicle 12. Thefirst vehicle provides a feedback signal to the first user that an itemhas been collected and allows later activation of the item through theactivation device. The event sensor transmits an acknowledgement signalto the event element 42, which temporarily ceases the transmission ofthe signal from the event element 42. On the “F Section” of the course,the event trigger is the contact of the vehicle with a closed gate. Therule applied by the processor of the first vehicle 12 is a reduction ofthe top speed of the vehicle input, which simulates a damaged vehicle.Preferably, the processor does not apply this rule if the first user haspreviously collected a “gate key” item.

As shown in FIG. 4, the entertainment system 10 may be configured as awater course with interactive (or “combative”) racing. The entertainmentsystem 10 preferably includes multiple versions of vehicles, eventelements, signals, event sensors, trigger events, rules, and physicalevents as described below. The entertainment system 10 may, however,include other suitable combinations of event elements, signals, eventsensors, trigger events, rules, and physical events.

On the “A section” of the course, the trigger event is the transmissionof a wireless signal 44 from the event element 42 (controlled by thespectator so) to the event sensor of the first vehicle 12. The ruleapplied by the processor of the first vehicle 12 is a partial reductionof the vehicle input, which simulates a damaged vehicle. In addition totransmitting a wireless signal, the event element 42 shoots water, whichfurther increases the realism that the event element 42 is damaging thevehicle.

On the “B section” of the course, the trigger event is the transmissionof a weapon signal 34 from the event element 42 (controlled by thesecond user of the second vehicle 36) to the event sensor of the firstvehicle 12. The rule applied by the processor of the first vehicle 12 isa complete reduction of the vehicle input, which simulates a disabledvehicle. In addition to transmitting a weapon signal 34, the simulatedweapon shoots water, which further increases the realism that thesimulated weapon is damaging the first vehicle 12.

As shown in FIG. 5, the entertainment system to may be configured as a“closed circuit” land course with “Stock Car” style racing. Theentertainment system to preferably includes multiple versions ofvehicles, event elements, signals, event sensors, trigger events, rules,and physical events as described below. The entertainment system to may,however, include other suitable combinations of event elements, signals,event sensors, trigger events, rules, and physical events.

On the “A section” of the course, the trigger event is the usage ofenergy or the passage of time. The rule applied by the processor of thefirst vehicle 12 is a reduction of the top speed of the vehicle input,which simulates a vehicle with low available energy. On the “B Section”of the course, the trigger event is the contact of the first vehicle 12with the physical barrier. The rule applied by the processor of thefirst vehicle 12 is a reduction of the top speed of the vehicle input,which simulates a damaged vehicle. These two rules are applied until theend of the round or until the event sensor senses that the first vehicle12 has entered the “C Section” (also referred to as the “pit stop” area)of the course (which initiates a second trigger event). On the “DSection” of the course, the trigger event is the presence of two or morevehicles traveling in a line at close proximity above a minimum speed.The rule applied to the processor(s) of one or more of these vehicles isthe increase of the top speed of the vehicle(s), which simulates adrafting technique used in sports racing to reduce the overall effect ofdrag resistance of the vehicles.

Although omitted for conciseness, the preferred embodiments includeevery combination and permutation of the various vehicles, the variousevent elements, the various trigger events, the various rules, and thevarious physical events.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention defined in the followingclaims.

1. An entertainment system comprising: a first vehicle that transports afirst user including: a user interface adapted to accept a vehicle inputfrom the first user; an event sensor adapted to sense a trigger event; aprocessor connected to the user interface and to the event sensor, andadapted to operate in the following modes: normal mode—wherein theprocessor controls the first vehicle based substantially on the vehicleinput from the first user; and simulation mode—wherein the processorcontrols the first vehicle based on a modification of the vehicle inputfrom the first user according to a first rule, which simulates a firstphysical event; an event element that communicates a trigger event tothe event sensor, wherein the event element is a simulated weaponseparate from the first vehicle and is controlled by a user other thanthe first user; wherein the processor transitions between the normalmode and the simulation mode upon sensing by the event sensor of atrigger event communicated from the event element.
 2. The entertainmentsystem of claim 1, wherein the simulated weapon is adapted to transmit aweapon signal and the event sensor is adapted to receive the weaponsignal.
 3. The entertainment system of claim 2, wherein the weaponsignal is simulated ammunition of the simulated weapon.
 4. Theentertainment system of claim 2, wherein the weapon signal is a wirelesstransmission from the simulated weapon to the event sensor.
 5. Theentertainment system of claim 4, wherein the simulated weapon projects aphysical element.
 6. The entertainment system of the claim 2, whereinthe weapon signal is an analog signal transmission.
 7. The entertainmentsystem of claim 2, wherein the weapon signal is a physical elementsensed by the event sensor.
 8. The entertainment system of claim 7,wherein the physical element is water.
 9. The entertainment system ofclaim 1, wherein the first vehicle is a wheeled vehicle.
 10. Theentertainment system of claim 1, wherein the first vehicle includes ahuman powered based propulsion subsystem.
 11. The entertainment systemof claim 1 wherein the first vehicle includes a motorized propulsionsubsystem.
 12. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein theprocessor transitions from the normal mode to the simulated mode whenthe event sensor detects the trigger event communicated by the eventelement.
 13. The entertainment system of claim 12, wherein the firstvehicle further includes a propulsion subsystem that is adapted topropel the vehicle and includes a disabled mode that reduces control ofthe first user over the propulsion of the vehicle, wherein thesimulation mode of the processor activates the disabled mode of thepropulsion subsystem.
 14. The entertainment system of claim 12, whereinthe first vehicle further includes a steering subsystem that is adaptedto allow steering of the first vehicle and includes a disabled mode thatreduces control of the first user over the steering of the vehicle,wherein the simulation mode of the processor activates the disabled modeof the steering subsystem.
 15. The entertainment system of claim 12,wherein the first vehicle further includes: a propulsion subsystem thatis adapted to propel the vehicle and includes a disabled mode thatreduces control of the first user over the propulsion of the vehicle; asteering subsystem that is adapted to allow steering of the firstvehicle and includes a disabled mode that reduces control of the firstuser over the steering of the vehicle; wherein there are a plurality ofsimulation modes that are selectively activated, the simulation modesincluding: a reduced traction simulation that activates the disabledmode of the steering subsystem; a disabled simulation that activates thedisabled mode of the propulsion subsystem; a reduced input simulationthat activates the disabled mode of the propulsion subsystem and thedisabled mode of the steering subsystem.
 16. The entertainment system ofclaim 1, further comprising a second vehicle that transports a seconduser, wherein the second vehicle is substantially identical to the firstvehicle.
 17. The entertainment system of claim 16, wherein the seconduser of the second vehicle controls the simulated weapon.
 18. Theentertainment system of claim 16, further comprising a plurality ofevent elements that are simulated weapons controlled by a plurality ofusers that are not the first user or second user.
 19. The entertainmentsystem of claim 18, further including a plurality of event elements thatis not controlled by a user.